https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertanaas/2017/02/23/tennis-star-alexander-zverev-takes-open-sud-de-france-win-montpellier-wearing-richard-mille-watch-sebastien-buemi-rafael-nadal-bubba-watson/#696dd501671e
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Asheville Tennis Icon Passes Away at 103 and played into his 90's
http://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2017/02/25/beloved-asheville-tennis-icon-dave-carey-dies/98406694/
It's a nice story and is a great reminder that tennis is a sport for a lifetime.
It's a nice story and is a great reminder that tennis is a sport for a lifetime.
American Medicine - It applies to the health of tennis players
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/02/24/pinkerton-the-american-way-of-winning-the-war-against-disease/
The article above is very interesting in that it describes how the American medical system may not be the best in every area but we have a very effective system for treating health issues overall.
Relative to the life of tennis players injuries, inflammation, and degenerative diseases can shorten your tennis career so following the standard medical advice for managing and preventing these problems is something worth considering.
The article above is very interesting in that it describes how the American medical system may not be the best in every area but we have a very effective system for treating health issues overall.
Relative to the life of tennis players injuries, inflammation, and degenerative diseases can shorten your tennis career so following the standard medical advice for managing and preventing these problems is something worth considering.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Ball Dogs
Ball Dogs in Brazil
If you love dogs and tennis combining the two makes it something you'd love to try except for the slobber all over the ball unless they have some kind of special attachment. Dogs might like it to be able to chase balls for hours.
If you love dogs and tennis combining the two makes it something you'd love to try except for the slobber all over the ball unless they have some kind of special attachment. Dogs might like it to be able to chase balls for hours.
Monday, February 20, 2017
Saturday, February 18, 2017
30 Minutes of Stair Training equals the Gym
30 minutes of stair training- new study
I'm not a fan of stairs in general but I don't avoid them. Using stairs as exercise is just another option to help maintain fitness levels if you can't find the gym time.
This is just another aspect of interval training. Use different methods of getting your heart rate up rather than allowing your body to acclimate to one type of exercise. So stairs are good, but I'd add walking, calisthenics, racket drills, and tennis.
I'm not a fan of stairs in general but I don't avoid them. Using stairs as exercise is just another option to help maintain fitness levels if you can't find the gym time.
This is just another aspect of interval training. Use different methods of getting your heart rate up rather than allowing your body to acclimate to one type of exercise. So stairs are good, but I'd add walking, calisthenics, racket drills, and tennis.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Bouchard is a Good Sport
Genie Bouchard makes good on her Superbowl bet
This is a nice story in many ways such as just the funny way a fan pulled off a great win on a mid game Superbowl bet against a well known Tennis Professional. Or, in the way Genie realized at some point that she had actually made a bet and lost it and first seemed flustered. But she made good on the bet which in many ways is the best part of the story. I liked her game before this but now I like her sense of humor and fairness. She paid off the bet and made the best of it and in the process made one of her fans a very happy guy. Whether they see each other again or not he's got a story for life that is nothing but positive. Good show Genie.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chicagoinc/ct-genie-bouchard-super-bowl-bet-date-20170216-story.html
Maybe a Second Date
Second Date Talk in the Media
This is a nice story in many ways such as just the funny way a fan pulled off a great win on a mid game Superbowl bet against a well known Tennis Professional. Or, in the way Genie realized at some point that she had actually made a bet and lost it and first seemed flustered. But she made good on the bet which in many ways is the best part of the story. I liked her game before this but now I like her sense of humor and fairness. She paid off the bet and made the best of it and in the process made one of her fans a very happy guy. Whether they see each other again or not he's got a story for life that is nothing but positive. Good show Genie.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chicagoinc/ct-genie-bouchard-super-bowl-bet-date-20170216-story.html
Maybe a Second Date
Second Date Talk in the Media
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Temper Tantrum on Court Results in Serious Injury for Umpire
http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2017/02/tennis-umpire-gabas-has-surgery-after-being-hit-in-eye/64134/
Accidents are one thing but foolish outbursts and antics can be dangerous as this article proves. Hopefully the umpire hasn't lost his vision too.
Accidents are one thing but foolish outbursts and antics can be dangerous as this article proves. Hopefully the umpire hasn't lost his vision too.
Gluten Free Diet Higher in Arsenic
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4223422/Gluten-free-diets-higher-levels-arsenic.html
Any extreme diet tends to concentrate whatever specific constituent components and chemicals that might exist in that food.
It seems that the best advice is still a balanced diet and moderation.
Any extreme diet tends to concentrate whatever specific constituent components and chemicals that might exist in that food.
It seems that the best advice is still a balanced diet and moderation.
Monday, February 13, 2017
Can Tennis Extend Your Life
New Study
Ahhha, another new study. So many are contradictory so what do you do. In the case of tennis just keep playing if you already are since it can't hurt you. At least they haven't come up with a study to say it does. About the biggest risk is skin cancer and how you dress and whether you use sun screen can help limit that concern.
Getting a workout is the key element of the benefits of tennis so whatever you do try to find the time to get in your weekly or twice weekly workout.
Ahhha, another new study. So many are contradictory so what do you do. In the case of tennis just keep playing if you already are since it can't hurt you. At least they haven't come up with a study to say it does. About the biggest risk is skin cancer and how you dress and whether you use sun screen can help limit that concern.
Getting a workout is the key element of the benefits of tennis so whatever you do try to find the time to get in your weekly or twice weekly workout.
Rafa and Uncle Toni
Should we be celebrating Rafael Nadal's split with Uncle Toni.
This article is a good analysis and of course leaves us wondering what really happened.
Regardless, Nadal won 14 Majors with Toni so whatever happens from here forward it is one of the most successful coach and player relationships ever.
This article is a good analysis and of course leaves us wondering what really happened.
Regardless, Nadal won 14 Majors with Toni so whatever happens from here forward it is one of the most successful coach and player relationships ever.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Courier #1 25 Years Ago
Courier #1 in 1992
It pays to look back at some of the best players of the past. Now with youtube you can do that and learn from them. Courier had a devastating serve and a big forehand. It was a 1-2 punch.
Courier's Machinelike Game
Courier Forehand in a 3 second video
It pays to look back at some of the best players of the past. Now with youtube you can do that and learn from them. Courier had a devastating serve and a big forehand. It was a 1-2 punch.
Courier's Machinelike Game
Courier Forehand in a 3 second video
Friday, February 10, 2017
Nice Story about a Letter to Federer and Time
The story
I never sent my own letter to Fed, but rather said what I wanted to say in blog postings. Hopefully, his coach read them, or he did. I know that in one post I suggested he focus on chip and charge and learning to attack his chip shot like Ken Rosewall did one upon a time. I knew that his topspin drive could never be a full match for a concerted attack from Nadal from both his forehand and backhand side. It was a disadvantage that cost him many matches and until he countered it with more aggression such as taking the net at every opportunity he was destined to come in a second place winner. You see, I could never see Fed as a loser but simply another tennis god that had a nemesis just like Nadal did. All of them do.
I see he did some of this and whether he got the idea from me or it was just obvious I feel part of his struggle and eventual victory. It was nice to see Roger Federer come full circle with a win in Australia that may signal his last or one of his last Major wins.
In this I agree with Rebecca.
I never sent my own letter to Fed, but rather said what I wanted to say in blog postings. Hopefully, his coach read them, or he did. I know that in one post I suggested he focus on chip and charge and learning to attack his chip shot like Ken Rosewall did one upon a time. I knew that his topspin drive could never be a full match for a concerted attack from Nadal from both his forehand and backhand side. It was a disadvantage that cost him many matches and until he countered it with more aggression such as taking the net at every opportunity he was destined to come in a second place winner. You see, I could never see Fed as a loser but simply another tennis god that had a nemesis just like Nadal did. All of them do.
I see he did some of this and whether he got the idea from me or it was just obvious I feel part of his struggle and eventual victory. It was nice to see Roger Federer come full circle with a win in Australia that may signal his last or one of his last Major wins.
In this I agree with Rebecca.
High Tech Racket Selection
Trying to find the right tennis racket? High Tech Solution
This is interesting and may become standard someday, but for now your best bet is to choose a racket that feels good in your hand and doesn't strain your arm, wrist, or shoulder to wield it.
If you can hit your strokes the way you want to with this racket that is what matters. Tweaking a racket is best done by choosing first the stiffness and balance. You can adjust the weight and balance later with lead tape. You can somewhat alter the feel of stiffness by the type of string, but it is best to find a frame that matches your play style. Then the string is best chosen to manage your spin preferences. You can alter the string tension to also change the characteristics but keeping in mind that too much tension of too hard a string can cause injuries.
Head light rackets help in racket speed but add shock to the arm.
Head heavy rackets are slow to move and therefore are mostly suited to slow courts.
Stiff frames have massive power but very little shock absorption.
Flexible frames give better feel and much more protection against injury.
Gut string had great feel, spin generation, and control with minimal shock, but they are expensive.
Poly strings have great power and spin production but are tough on arms.
Nylon is a a great compromise string and there are types that can fit your style of play.
Hybrid string setups are a solution some players find useful but I never really found it ideal.
This is interesting and may become standard someday, but for now your best bet is to choose a racket that feels good in your hand and doesn't strain your arm, wrist, or shoulder to wield it.
If you can hit your strokes the way you want to with this racket that is what matters. Tweaking a racket is best done by choosing first the stiffness and balance. You can adjust the weight and balance later with lead tape. You can somewhat alter the feel of stiffness by the type of string, but it is best to find a frame that matches your play style. Then the string is best chosen to manage your spin preferences. You can alter the string tension to also change the characteristics but keeping in mind that too much tension of too hard a string can cause injuries.
Head light rackets help in racket speed but add shock to the arm.
Head heavy rackets are slow to move and therefore are mostly suited to slow courts.
Stiff frames have massive power but very little shock absorption.
Flexible frames give better feel and much more protection against injury.
Gut string had great feel, spin generation, and control with minimal shock, but they are expensive.
Poly strings have great power and spin production but are tough on arms.
Nylon is a a great compromise string and there are types that can fit your style of play.
Hybrid string setups are a solution some players find useful but I never really found it ideal.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Snake Eats Tennis Ball - Nurse Saves Snake
Snake Eats Tennis Ball
What is there to say but to watch your step when you play tennis in a swampy area. A snake might go for your tennis balls.
What is there to say but to watch your step when you play tennis in a swampy area. A snake might go for your tennis balls.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Eating For Health: Now it's pasta again
Pasta eaters healthier
In moderation pasta is a great thing. Combined with other foods that supply fat and protein in moderate amounts this can constitute a healthy diet and one that works well for tennis players that train many hours and need a heavy intake of calories.
In moderation pasta is a great thing. Combined with other foods that supply fat and protein in moderate amounts this can constitute a healthy diet and one that works well for tennis players that train many hours and need a heavy intake of calories.
Tennis Shoe Repairs - Shoe Goo
I don't know about you but I really hate paying $160 per set of tennis shoes. That is what it costs to get a pair of Brooks Beast running shoes in 4E width in my size. I was going through two pairs a summer during my busiest teaching phase. It wasn't just that I wore the sole out but that the upper fabric tended to look dirty after a while. I tried going with some low cost good looking leather/faux leather uppers just for groups lessons since they looked good and I didn't have to run and I went through three or four of them per year and got almost no support. They only looked good.
So now I'm going back in time to my days of playing when younger and even $30 shoes were a challenge so I resorted to Shoe Goo to keep them going. Especially when on the practice court this is a viable way to extend the use of your shoes. I may even try to launder the shoes first to clean them and brighten the uppers.
Here is a photo of the job. I'll be using these on the practice court and day to day walking since the Brooks Beast is the ultimate support shoe for an over-pronater with wide feet. When I started using them it changed and extended my life on the court.
Wear nitrile gloves to keep the goo off your hands and do the job outside to avoid fumes. I let them dry outside too.
So now I'm going back in time to my days of playing when younger and even $30 shoes were a challenge so I resorted to Shoe Goo to keep them going. Especially when on the practice court this is a viable way to extend the use of your shoes. I may even try to launder the shoes first to clean them and brighten the uppers.
Here is a photo of the job. I'll be using these on the practice court and day to day walking since the Brooks Beast is the ultimate support shoe for an over-pronater with wide feet. When I started using them it changed and extended my life on the court.
Wear nitrile gloves to keep the goo off your hands and do the job outside to avoid fumes. I let them dry outside too.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Tennis Pro Lifestyle: Are you Wealthy
Wealth isn't Just Measured in Wealth - It's Measured in Choices
As a tennis enthusiast and teacher a lot of your choices are met. You've found a way to take something that is a lifelong passion and turn it into your avocation and profession. In that decision you've also surrounded yourself with a group of people that have common interests and in general are more well rounded simply by their choice to engage in a sport with a universally positive appeal.
Balance what you might earn in a corporate job with a 9-5 steady income versus what you must hustle to earn as a tennis pro. Most tennis teaching professionals look for an opportunity to switch to a more lucrative profession knowing that unless they land a tennis management position their days as a tennis teacher will by physical necessity have to slow down. How do you finesse that.
The best way is to set aside some investments for a rainy day or the future. Doing that successfully requires focused study and continued effort, something most good tennis players know how to do. Another approach is to have a sideline such as a business that operates independently of your tennis teaching. Even teaching something else at a local college can be a fair substitute. I used to teach computer classes at a community college to offset the off season slowdown I had during one phase of my tennis teaching career. There are many ways to fill the gap.
The best way to increase your selection of choices is to eliminate debt. If you have no mortgage or car payments your work requirements are lower than most other people and it will show in your ability to choose. If you choose to keep working hard then your ability to save and spend will increase.
Whatever you decide to do, just keep in mind that no one can do what they did 30 or 40 years earlier. Physical limits come about and hopefully you've prepared. This is why focusing early on toward retirement savings, investments, and a side business is a prudent way to keep your choices flexible.
Related Information
How millennials can overcome their 6 big financial challenges.
Best places to live in the USA
As a tennis enthusiast and teacher a lot of your choices are met. You've found a way to take something that is a lifelong passion and turn it into your avocation and profession. In that decision you've also surrounded yourself with a group of people that have common interests and in general are more well rounded simply by their choice to engage in a sport with a universally positive appeal.
Balance what you might earn in a corporate job with a 9-5 steady income versus what you must hustle to earn as a tennis pro. Most tennis teaching professionals look for an opportunity to switch to a more lucrative profession knowing that unless they land a tennis management position their days as a tennis teacher will by physical necessity have to slow down. How do you finesse that.
The best way is to set aside some investments for a rainy day or the future. Doing that successfully requires focused study and continued effort, something most good tennis players know how to do. Another approach is to have a sideline such as a business that operates independently of your tennis teaching. Even teaching something else at a local college can be a fair substitute. I used to teach computer classes at a community college to offset the off season slowdown I had during one phase of my tennis teaching career. There are many ways to fill the gap.
The best way to increase your selection of choices is to eliminate debt. If you have no mortgage or car payments your work requirements are lower than most other people and it will show in your ability to choose. If you choose to keep working hard then your ability to save and spend will increase.
Whatever you decide to do, just keep in mind that no one can do what they did 30 or 40 years earlier. Physical limits come about and hopefully you've prepared. This is why focusing early on toward retirement savings, investments, and a side business is a prudent way to keep your choices flexible.
Related Information
How millennials can overcome their 6 big financial challenges.
Best places to live in the USA
Monday, February 6, 2017
Tennis News: Player Hits Umpire in Eye with Ball - Defaults Match
Canadian Player hit's ball at Umpire's face to hand GB Davis Cup Win
This is not only unfortunate for the Umpire but for the Canadian team to lose simply because one player on the team loses control. It is justifiable to hand over a win to the other side. An umpire shouldn't have to worry about being attacked. An errant ball is one thing but this ball was hit when play was finished so whatever happens when you fire a ball off is your responsibility.
Eye Balled
Tennis player gets mad
Competitors can learn from this. Most of the time it goes beyond self control issues and it has to do with ego. Some players act out as if to say they are better than what just transpired in the point. As frustration builds some players resort to physical displays not much different than a tantrum. It rarely helps though at times if the umpire doesn't act these displays will interfere with the match and distract an opponent. In the 70's and 80's some of the players used antics as a form of gamesmanship to disrupt the match when they were losing. Rule changes have made this less of a problem but actions like this cannot be managed. The fine is justifiable as well. Hopefully this players will fully learn from it. It is apparent that he didn't purposely try to hit the umpire based on his reaction when he hit him but by then it was too late.
#1 rule. When you hit a ball and send it downrange and it is not during a point whatever happens is on you. During a point it can still be on you if you appear to purposely aim a ball at a linesman or referee and umpire while throwing away a point.
This is not only unfortunate for the Umpire but for the Canadian team to lose simply because one player on the team loses control. It is justifiable to hand over a win to the other side. An umpire shouldn't have to worry about being attacked. An errant ball is one thing but this ball was hit when play was finished so whatever happens when you fire a ball off is your responsibility.
Eye Balled
Tennis player gets mad
Competitors can learn from this. Most of the time it goes beyond self control issues and it has to do with ego. Some players act out as if to say they are better than what just transpired in the point. As frustration builds some players resort to physical displays not much different than a tantrum. It rarely helps though at times if the umpire doesn't act these displays will interfere with the match and distract an opponent. In the 70's and 80's some of the players used antics as a form of gamesmanship to disrupt the match when they were losing. Rule changes have made this less of a problem but actions like this cannot be managed. The fine is justifiable as well. Hopefully this players will fully learn from it. It is apparent that he didn't purposely try to hit the umpire based on his reaction when he hit him but by then it was too late.
#1 rule. When you hit a ball and send it downrange and it is not during a point whatever happens is on you. During a point it can still be on you if you appear to purposely aim a ball at a linesman or referee and umpire while throwing away a point.
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Tennis Teaching: Guerilla Strategy in Tennis - Choose Another Word, Never Talk Politics, Never Use Foul Language
ESPN tennis commentator fired for word usage. - Guerilla Strategy in Tennis
Update - He's suing for wrongful termination.
We used to call it chip and charge or taking the net but to make it exciting they have added a martial aspect to it. Somehow even that can be taken wrong.
As the world changes and things we never considered are now enough to get you fired, well consider them or pay the price. This is a simple reality that continues to hurt those that step out of the box. As a teacher consider this or you may find yourself explaining your words and actions. If you're a tennis teacher imagine a filter on your mouth that prevents you from saying things that upset people. It's a good habit to develop.
Update - He's suing for wrongful termination.
We used to call it chip and charge or taking the net but to make it exciting they have added a martial aspect to it. Somehow even that can be taken wrong.
Words mean things
The benefit of writing rather than speaking is that you can hit delete before you print. It also lets you spell the word, and especially if the word sounds very similar to another one that is deemed offensive depending on the context of use. That may not have mattered in this instance since it seems to be possible to read the mind of speaker according to some.As the world changes and things we never considered are now enough to get you fired, well consider them or pay the price. This is a simple reality that continues to hurt those that step out of the box. As a teacher consider this or you may find yourself explaining your words and actions. If you're a tennis teacher imagine a filter on your mouth that prevents you from saying things that upset people. It's a good habit to develop.
Never Talk Politics on the Tennis Court
While on that subject. Leave politics off the court altogether and you'll avoid alienating students that have strongly held beliefs that might be counter to the discussion. It also wastes class time which is something that is unforgivable whether on the court or in a classroom. I've found it very prevalent in college courses and found it annoying so made a decision to never get into politics on the tennis court. With feelings running strong nowadays it can save you some heartache and lost income from lost students.Never Use Foul Language
This should be understood without saying it. There is no place for foul language on the court and especially from a teacher. Aside from the poor example that it sets your image will suffer as a teacher if you go down to gutter language. Think of that filter on what you say again. Whatever you think to say, just don't if it doesn't conform to the normal rules of behavior on a tennis court during a match. I even correct students and explain to them that in a match they can be penalized for such words during play. Just as importantly it makes the game that much more pleasant. Even your demeanor can convey a poor example so losing your temper is another thing to avoid.Stay Professional
With all this in mind just think of the teachers you've had in your life and how professional they seemed when they didn't cross boundary of crass behavior, bad language, and careless use of words. Doing so will improve the atmosphere in your class and help you maintain the respect you desire from your students.
Racket stringing: Baseball Hat Clip Light Review - Energizer
I love this light. I have used it for stringing work regularly for the past five years. In the past I could see the holes in the frame to snake the string through even in low light conditions, but in the past few years I've noticed I needed more light. It doesn't help that the lighting in the stringing room is not ideal, so this is my solution. I either clip it on my hat or just point it to the place I need to get a good view. I've had this light for probably close to a decade, not sure. But it is a trooper. It works and has made my life easier.
This one LED version of the hat clip light is ideal for such purposes. It probably has a lithium battery that means in general it will last forever unless I leave it on and run it down. Since I only use it periodically it may be a lifetime light. I highly recommend it.
The one shown below is a 3 LED version so it is much more expensive than the one I have. You can probably find the less expensive one at Wal Mart or a hardware store.
This one LED version of the hat clip light is ideal for such purposes. It probably has a lithium battery that means in general it will last forever unless I leave it on and run it down. Since I only use it periodically it may be a lifetime light. I highly recommend it.
The one shown below is a 3 LED version so it is much more expensive than the one I have. You can probably find the less expensive one at Wal Mart or a hardware store.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Tennis Health: Stay Away from Vegetable Oils, Avoid Plastic Packaging of Fast Foods
http://nypost.com/2017/01/31/eating-vegetable-oils-could-lead-to-fatigue-migraines-and-dementia/
Vegetable oils can cause dementia
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/food/wp/2017/02/01/researchers-find-another-reason-to-avoid-fast-food-chemicals-in-the-packaging/
Chemicals in packaging can leech into the food
Vegetable oils can cause dementia
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/food/wp/2017/02/01/researchers-find-another-reason-to-avoid-fast-food-chemicals-in-the-packaging/
Chemicals in packaging can leech into the food
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